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Q.: Our kitten that we have had for two months loves to suck on our earlobes while "pumping" with its front paws.
Why does it do that? Is it because it's missing its mother (it was twelve weeks old when it left her) or is it just enjoying itself?
It has settled down well, is well house trained, cuddly and playful.
A.: I'm sure it is just enjoying itself. It is true that this behavior is especially common in cats that have left their mother too early, but it is not uncommon among cats that - like yours - have stayed long enough with her.
The behavior is derived from the suckling situation, and the "pumping2 movements are the exact same which a little kitten will use for milking its mother. These milking movements can also be seen in adults in any situation where the cat is feeling particularly goo. Some may even do it while standing up (for example while a food bowl is being filled), which may quite funny.
Since the cat - judging from your description - has settled down quite well with you, I'd say this is normal behavior, by which the cat so to speak expresses your good relationship.
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